Eft, Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping - an Alternative Healing Therapy

EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Tapping Therapy, was developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s, in the United States.

The basic principles involved are those that are employed in acupuncture/acupressure, psychology and kinesiology (the scientific study of human movement).

It is a psychological acupressure technique that not only benefits the emotional health of a person but heals physical disease as well.

It is much like the Indian AcupressureTherapy, with some minor differences like the location of the points, the self-affirmations and the application method but in essence, the principle remains the same.

These techniques help the emotional state of a person, that has been disturbed due to stress, personal problems, anxieties etc. These emotions are negative and disturb the mind and affect the emotions of the person.

These negative emotions act as a block in the body's energy system. EFT helps to unblock these emotions and free the way for a free flow of energy, leading to the restoration of mind and body health.

EFT uses the fingertips to tap specific points on the head, face, chest etc, while the person undergoing the therapy is asked to focus or tune in to the specific disturbing emotion or feeling. Simultaneously, the patient is supposed to repeat certain positive affirmations while tuned in to the emotion.

The tappings may be repeated in the same session until the entire negative emotions are gone.

EFT can be done by oneself on one's own body or the services of a practitioner of this therapy can be taken.

EFT is done sitting in a chair.

The specific feeling or emotion for which Emotional Freedom Techniques are done returns very rarely. Although, it must be kept in the mind that there could be many more such emotions which will need to be resolved in separate sessions.

The emotional freedom technique involves tapping specific locations or points with the fingers while repeating positive affirmations.

Knowledge of these locations and the method of tapping are simple to learn.

The traditional way has been to tap with the index and middle finger of either the left hand or the right. The points that have to be tapped exist on both sides of the body, so one can tap a combination of left and right side points in the body.

These days tapping is done by using all the fingers of each hand. The benefit of this method is that it covers a larger area being tapped and consequently more points being tapped. It also enhances the chances of the points being tapped rather than it being missed if 2 fingers were used.

There are more acupressure meridians on the fingertips than the finger pads and therefore the fingertips are preferred. However, it is to be ensured that the fingernails are trimmed enough so as not to cause injury while performing EFT.

The tapping has to be firm and solid yet not hard. Also, the fingers of each hand have to tap alternately meaning when one is tapping with fingers of one hand the other hands' fingers are resting and as soon as one finishes the other fingers start and this process is repeated.

Each point is tapped about 5-7 times or about the time it takes for 1 full breath.

The tapping is preferably started from the topmost point in the body and each subsequent tapping is done by going lower down. Though tapping can be done in any sequence the above method ensures that no points are missed as you are going down as it is easier to remember these points and the points that have been done.

Remember to remove watches and glasses before starting this procedure to avoid the electromagnetic and physical hindrance these things could cause as also to be able to tap at the exact points.

Following are the locations of the tapping points and their brief description:

• Karate Chop Point

This is located in the middle of the fleshy part on the outside of the hand.

• On Top Of The Head (TH)

It is in the centre of the head.

• Eyebrows (EB)

It is located at the beginning of the eyebrows above the nose but to its either sides.

• Side Of The Eyes (SE)

They are located near the corner of the eyes.

• Under The Eyes (UE)

The location is below the eye sockets where the bone starts.

• Under The Nose (UN)

Located between the bottom of the nose and upper lip.

• Chin (Ch)

It is located in the centre of the lower lip and chin.

• The Collar Bone (CB)

Located at the meeting point of the breast bone, collar bone and the first rib, on either side.

• Under The Arms (UA)

Located at both sides of the body around nipple height.

• Wrists (WR)

Located at inside of both the wrists.

While tapping is performed positive affirmations are repeated. These affirmations are basically meant to acknowledge the problem and self-accepting them.

It is interesting to note that though these affirmations have to be repeated during the therapy.

• It is not necessary that one believes in them. They just have to be said.
• A bit more emphasis or feeling has to be put into the saying.
• It can be said loudly or silently though saying it aloud is more effective.

The tuning into the problem is the thought of the negative emotion, causing the specific problem, that one holds in the mind.

All negative emotions cause a block and disrupt the body's' energy system.
Removing this block and making for the free flow of the energy is only possible if this emotion/feeling that is blocking the energy is kept in thought while repeating the affirmations. Hence, tuning in to the emotions is an absolute must to a successful EFT session.

Emotional freedom technique can be done at any time of the day.

• In the morning upon waking up.
• Before having meals.
• When in the bathroom.
• Whenever you are free for a few minutes at the office or home.
• Before going to sleep.

• Trauma/Abuse/Panic Attacks.
• Phobias.
• Stress/Anxieties.
• Depression.
• Drug Abuse.
• A number of physical ailments, like headaches, aches, pains, breathing problems etc.
• Weight loss.

Emotional freedom technique can also be applied to improve performance in the areas of sales, public speaking, performing arts, sports and other innumerable areas.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician or health care provider before taking any home remedies, supplements or embarking on any new health regime.